I included a Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed section in my holiday cookbook, because serving me breakfast in bed is something my kids always want to do for me on Mother’s Day. Many years, since I get up so early, it has required my getting back in bed after being up for a couple of hours, and the menu has ranged from Grape Nuts with a glass of orange juice to a stack of eight huge, beautifully misshapen pancakes that I still consider the most delicious pancakes I’ve ever had in my life. The menu in the photo above is simple: scrambled eggs with smoked salmon (but you can sub shaved ham or even herbs or pesto), a sweet scone (recipe below), and a yogurt-berry parfait. This kind of occasion isn’t about elaborate food…it’s about the sweet, sweet gesture.

Here are some of my favorite ideas for a Mother’s Day breakfast-in-bed (or breakfast-at-the-table if you prefer!)

(And psst. Don’t forget to include a note!)

Petite Vanilla Bean Scones. Scones are always a good choice for mom on Mother’s Day because they’re not too heavy and they go great with a cup of coffee or tea.

Continuing the scone thought, these Sweet Cinnamon Scones are delightful if you’re a lover of cinnamon-sugar treats.

I have these Lemon Rosemary Scones in my holiday cookbook in the Mother’s Day section, and ohhhhhhhhhhh, are they delightful. I love using rosemary in things like this—it’s unexpected!

But of all the scones I’ve made and loved throughout my life, my Maple Nut Scones are definitely my favorite. I love, love, love them.

On the egg front: If my mom were close-by on Sunday, I would definitely make her Eggs Benedict…

OR Eggs Florentine (Eggs Benedict, but subbing spinach for the Canadian Bacon).

And I’d make myself a plate, too.

Hollandaise is my life.

A Breakfast Quesadilla is also lovely, because you can use whole wheat tortillas, fill it with avocado, pico de gallo, and other things mom loves. Delicious!

A Frittata is also exceedingly mom-friendly and so darn easy. And here’s a fun gift idea: If she doesn’t have one, buy her a good nonstick skillet for a Mother’s Day gift…and make the frittata in it to break it in! She’ll love it.

For something you can make the night before, this Sausage Kale Breakfast Casserole is absolutely divine and it’ll feed the whole family…and then some! Just pop it in the oven the morning of Mother’s Day and within an hour or so you’ll have breakfast all ready!

For a sweet breakfast casserole, my Cinnamon Baked French Toast remains a favorite in the Drummond household. Assemble it and pop it in the fridge the night before, then bake it off the next morning. Slather with softened butter, drizzle with maple syrup…and all is right with the world.

Iny’s Prune Cake. This cake holds great significance for me, partly because my great grandmother Iny used to make it and partly because…well, it’s one of the most delicious things you’ll ever eat. Don’t be deterred by the prunes, and you won’t even know they’re there. All moms love it!

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91 Comments and 7 Replies

Meme On Friday, May 9 at 9:06 am

I wonder which ones I’ll be getting for Mother’s Day! Ha! That cinnamon french toast looks really good. Happy Mother’s day to all.

2

Mrs. Lucky On Friday, May 9 at 9:08 am

So many options!! I want pancakes and bacon!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY EVERYONE!

3

Emily MG On Friday, May 9 at 9:11 am

So nice that you still have children at home to make you one (or more) of these mouth watering delights! Our kids are all grown up. I’ll get to talk and/or Skype with each of them, though, on Mother’s Day. I love it!
Happy Mother’s Day!

4

Deb G On Friday, May 9 at 9:18 am

My kids are both grown now and don’t live near anymore, but they used to make me breakfast in bed for mothers day. They always had fun and were so proud of themselves!

5

Deborah Baumbarger On Friday, May 9 at 9:18 am

Have a nice Mother’s Day!

6

ReneeW On Friday, May 9 at 9:18 am

EdnaMae’s Sour Cream Pancakes are to die for.

7

Linda McShane On Friday, May 9 at 9:20 am

I have directed my husband and son to your site for good Mother’s Day breakfast ideas.

Robin E On Friday, May 9 at 9:28 am

Thanks for the varied and delicious breakfast ideas, Ree, and the wonderful photos. None of my four children live anywhere nearby and I’ll be making my own breakfast, but that’s OK because my hubby will be close by. Something savory? Something sweet? We’ll see. Happy Mother’s Day and hugs to each and every mother out there.

16

Jean M On Friday, May 9 at 9:47 am

Happy Mother’s Day to you Ree and to all of your followers!

17

Angela from Maryland On Friday, May 9 at 9:54 am

Yum. I will probably have egg in the hole. I don’t have a round biscuit cutter so I use a dog bone biscuit cutter. My egg in the holes look like dog biscuits.

18

Anne P. On Friday, May 9 at 9:55 am

All I need on Mother’s Day, is a glass of juice and a piece of toast. Well, if someone wants to make me a poached egg, too, that would be lovely, as I sit with feet up in my Lazy Boy,
watching a wonderful old movie! This is all after Church, of course, where I will sit with family, holding my two-year old grandson on my lap! Blessings, indeed…
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mommies and Grammies out there!!

Ken On Friday, May 9 at 10:35 pm

That sounds like a wonderful day. I’m envious! Enjoy even if you’re only a mom to animals,as Is my case!

Tess in TN On Friday, May 9 at 10:10 am

Stephanie On Friday, May 9 at 10:11 am

That croissant french toast looks scrumptious! Blessings to all the moms out there – happy mother’s day!!!

24

Krisy On Friday, May 9 at 10:23 am

Very nice recipe ideas! You find nonstick skillets better for frittatas? I prefer stainless steel or even cast iron. Although I know now they make better nonstick pans now fortunately, I am still stuck in the feeling of the pans from my childhood in the 80s, those pricey teflon pans that never worked and the coating got scratched right away. But I find with frittotas, after putting the eggs in the oven to melt the cheese, the eggs are set enough and release easily. But I do agree if your mom likes those pans, giving mom a replacement one each mothers day is a good idea, as those do need to be replaced.

25

Becky On Friday, May 9 at 10:25 am

Thanks Ree! Will definitely be using one of these recipes this weekend!

26

Angie Mehrtens On Friday, May 9 at 10:34 am

Thank you. I am going to make the prune cake. It sounds so good. I would like to wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy it very much. I am hoping after church I will not have to make supper. Lol!

Anne P. On Friday, May 9 at 10:58 am

Hi Angie, I’ve been making the exact same Prune Cake for at least 40 yrs. It’s truly a treasure!! It’s a cake that my oldest daughter requests each year for her birthday.
Hint: I put the eggs, buttermilk, prunes, and vanilla in the blender, pulsing until the prunes are finally chopped, then pour into the flour, sugar mixture, then add the oil, and mix it up.
Saves time, and mess of mashing up the prunes. Works great! Hope you enjoy this cake, too…it’s wonderful!! Happy Mother’s Day!

Anne P. On Friday, May 9 at 12:27 pm

Meant to say “finely chopped”….guess it could also mean “finally finely chopped”, however in a high-speed blender…oh, me…..

Suzan R On Friday, May 9 at 11:02 am

I have been looking for a good prune cake recipe! That sounds silly, but it is definitely true — still have a giant Costco-sized bag of prunes to get through and no idea how

32

Margaret C. On Friday, May 9 at 11:03 am

Wow, lots of great recipes. Thanks for the ideas.

33

Stephanie On Friday, May 9 at 11:39 am

All of those are making my mouth water! The eggs benedict, however, are calling my name! My husband and our two little girls will be taking me out to brunch on Sunday, which will be just perfect.

34

Treb On Friday, May 9 at 11:59 am

Happy mama’s day Ree!

35

Kate On Friday, May 9 at 11:59 am

I would LOVE to have any of those meals prepared for me in bed on Mother’s Day;). I recognize the Tracy Porter plates/bowls that you use in your photos. It looks great paired with your delicious food. Who is the manufacturer of the red and white floral plate that you featured in this post?

hi ree, happy mothers day, love the receipe ideas. want to make those scone receipes. they made my mouth water. my children are grown, so will b making pancakes, for my best friend, whos also my room mate. love your shows and cooking ideas

Grammanita On Friday, May 9 at 12:08 pm

Rachel Louree On Friday, May 9 at 12:31 pm

I will definitely show this to my husband and children today so that have plenty of time to grocery shop!!:). Thanks, Ree! The pancakes are looking AWESOME !

39

Annie On Friday, May 9 at 12:35 pm

Wowsa!!! They all look amazballs (that means good here in old Blighty!!) Our mothers day was in March and whilst I don’t have any bambinos myself therefore no breakfast in bed, I do have a house full of animals who very cleverly bought me an Elvis greatest hits CD with money stored safely in their little hairy pockets!!! It’s tea time here in England and I am thinking of egg in the hole for tea!! Happy mothers Dayton you Ree and the rest of America!! xxxxx

happy mothers day Ree i have to say i would love to eat all those Items you have posted for breakfast,in the only one the uselessly cooks in my house, so i may see if my soon well cook for me. he 19 now. so i say the fruit said would be my pic for me. cant wait to watch your new show on Saturday, morning, love it all the time you are the best cook that i love tom watch.have the best meals every time i want them every night. Ps, take care god bless you and your family. love Kathy

JoyBeth On Friday, May 9 at 6:00 pm

Kathy, so glad you mentioned the new episode for Saturday, I went straight to the TV to DVR it, just in case.

Lori Seggio On Friday, May 9 at 1:13 pm

Salange On Friday, May 9 at 2:00 pm

So many wonderful choices. I love eggs benedict. I will be an exhibitor at a local art festival but families bring their Mothers each year. It is fun.

I hope you have a wonnderful Mother’s Day!

47

Marc On Friday, May 9 at 2:12 pm

Son and I are making fresh challah french toast with orange zest and fruit topping (or warmed maple/butter syrup), maple glazed thick-sliced bacon and lots of fresh fruit. . .oh, and coffee for the mom. . .a definite need. . .take care and enjoy the week-end.

In Australia there is a town called Scone./Sc-OWN/ In the land of OZ, if one wants to purchase a Scone to eat, it is pronounced /Sc-ON/. Needless-to-say, when purchasing these at Starbucks, I have to do the mental translation so everyone is NOT confused.

49

cryatal carney On Friday, May 9 at 3:11 pm

Ree your recipes look sooo delish, will have to try them soon. Happy Mother’s day to everyone !!!!

DonnaO On Friday, May 9 at 3:51 pm

Just wanted to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day and also to all the Mom’s!

52

Katie On Friday, May 9 at 4:12 pm

Hey Ree!
Many thanks for the yummy yummy Mother’s Day ideas…. maybe we have to have a long, long brunch all day long!!

Happy Mothers Day to you — and I for one really appreciate all the ideas and recipes that you make available here on your blog.

Hope your day is scrumptious.

53

JoyBeth On Friday, May 9 at 4:14 pm

Ree, a big Happy Mother’s Day to you. And that is some of the best looking food and I know it has to taste scrumptious! Made my mouth water just looking at it.
I have never been served breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day, but it sounds so nice. My kids are grown (in their 20′s) and they usually buy me flowers, cards or something practical and anything that they do for me (big or small) melts my heart. Hubby usually buys me a meaningful card and if I’m lucky (ha-ha) will take me shopping. And your right, it is always the thought that counts.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mother’s out there.

54

janette On Friday, May 9 at 4:25 pm

It all loooks so yummy! Happy Mother’s Day Ree!

55

Jory H. On Friday, May 9 at 4:32 pm

All these recipes look amazing but I think I got the most excited when I saw the plate you served the Prune Cake on — My husband and I put those on our registry and I’m totally in love with the whole set. I haven’t seen it in any of your posts before and I LOVE that you’re giving it the publicity — totally beautiful!!

56

Miriam On Friday, May 9 at 4:47 pm

All of these suggestions looks wonderful. But for me, breakfast in bed is the LAST thing I would ever want, for ANY day. I am 75, and when I was sick as a kid, my mother would have me stay in bed. Several times I was sick enough to not be allowed to get up for anything but the bathroom. It was awkward; no place to “put” anything. Crumbs or small pieces could get spilled. I got so I hated to eat in bed. I would still not enjoy it. But someone could fix me ANY of those dishes to eat at a table.

Carol M On Friday, May 9 at 7:02 pm

It all sounds good to me. Ree and all the mothers out there, Have a Great Mother’s day.

65

forever montana On Friday, May 9 at 8:11 pm

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day too!! I make Ree’s Baked French Toast, and the Cinnamon Rolls are divine.My kids love to come to mom’s for breakfast. Happy Mothers Day Ree, and to all of the ladies that follow you

66

Denise On Friday, May 9 at 9:11 pm

Thank you so much for your website. I’m on it all the time and whenever people ask where I got the recipe, before I can answer, they say the Pioneer Woman. I watch every week. I’ve made so many if your recipes. Recently being the Italian Cream Cupcakes, and tonight, Shrimp Scampi. Haven’t met a recipe I haven’t liked. Thank you!

67

Wanday On Friday, May 9 at 9:34 pm

Happy Mothers Day, Ree and all of your wonderful family, friends and fans alike. I had a wonderful visit with my grand daughter (6) this evening who advised me she and I had to go shopping tomorrow to buy her Mommy (my daughter) a MD gift cause “ive been thinking and Nanny you can always keep a secret so you have to take me shopping”. haha Soo, guess im shopping tomorrow.

68

Sandi W. On Friday, May 9 at 10:01 pm

Just wanted to say Happy Mothers Day PW and to all those that read and post! My mom is in heaven and Mothers Day is when I miss her most,,,,,count your blessings if you still have your mom with you and cherish the day!

Anna On Friday, May 9 at 10:35 pm

Kelly On Friday, May 9 at 10:44 pm

Those Sour Cream Pancakes are delicous…

Probably going to have Eggs in the morning

71

Mollie Colon On Saturday, May 10 at 2:20 am

I’m literally drooling right now. Idk which one I’ll make first… Although I’ve been dying to try the vanilla bean scones. I’ve made the maple pecan already, they’re good but I probably won’t make them again. The vanilla, on the other hand, look great! I love your cookbooks Ree! You’re my favorite!

Mmmm…these recipes look scrumptious! I particularly like the look of the cinnamon scones! Any mother who is on the receiving end of one of these recipes will be very lucky (and happy I’m sure!)

73

Karen On Saturday, May 10 at 7:58 am

Thanks for all of the “hints”. This year is the first time in over ten years that I have had both of my girls here with me for Mother’s Day. ( The oldest one is a professional trucker, so we celebrate when she comes home.) This year, my present is that they are both here, safe and well. Now if only the weather would cooperate, I would be in heaven while digging in the dirt planting my garden, surrounded by blooming fruit trees. The rhubarb is ready to be picked ( what a few days of temperatures around 80 will do.) The asparagus is about ready to be cut. Oh, what a difference a few days make. Oh yes, I AM a mother. Wednesday, I had to drive two hours for a doctor’s appointment. Upon arriving home, my oldest called me to see if I would be willing to come pick her and her stuff up. A short time later, I was off, heading to get her, 9 1/2 -10 HOURS away, near Chicago. Made it, picked her up and arrived back home Thursday night around 11:30 pm. Well it was shorter than the last time I had to get her over in Denver, where she was let go due to the financial crisis. All I could think about was what I do for my daughters and if the time comes I may meet someone, my husband. And people think a wife / mother has it easy. Ree I hope you have an out of this world day tomorrow. You deserve it.

Your kids are so sweet! So many good options to choose from! If my mom wasn’t on the opposite coast, I think I would go with the eggs benedict option. It reminds me of when my hubby made it for me on my birthday! So yummy! http://www.designlifediaries.com/2014/02/happy-birthday-to-me.html
Or those Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls look amazingly good as well!

85

Joleen M Othick On Monday, May 12 at 2:03 pm

Hi PW – It was a Pioneer Woman extravaganza for Mothers Day this year. I made your Frittata, Yummy Fruit Salad, and Cheesy Hashbrowns. Yummmm-o!!!! Everyone loved all the dishes. I also showed off your cookbooks so they could see where all the goodness came from. BTW, I can’t help myself but…..I’m reading your “Love Story” book again for the 4th time. I need to find me a Marlboro Man. Thanks for making Mothers Day a hit!!!

Wow! The pictures are looking sooooo good! Hm, I wish someone would have brought me such an awesome breakfast!

88

Billie On Tuesday, May 13 at 7:21 am

Wow. I got a text. To Dork. Love, son.

89

Donna J. On Tuesday, May 13 at 8:08 am

These were beautiful and amazing in how simple.

90

brandy m On Tuesday, May 13 at 9:33 am

YUM! Made this last night…DELISH! I thank you, and my guys (husband and son) thank you!! Now I could really use that Fitbit to burn some calories!!

91

Lauren Pierce On Tuesday, May 13 at 3:55 pm

I had never eaten a scone, but I thought I needed a pastry of sorts to balance out the meal I was preparing for Mother’s Day brunch. I ended up baking the maple pecan scone and it was so very yummy. I just finished off the last leftover one this morning with my coffee. Honestly, I have never found a recipe of yours that I did not like, and I have cooked dozens and dozens! I hope to buy a second cookbook of yours soon.

I'm a desperate housewife.I live in the country. I channel Lucille Ball, Vivien Leigh, and Ethel Merman. Welcome to my frontier!

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